There are many neutral gray-green tones, but Filmy Green and Sea Salt are a somewhat unmatched pairing. These two colors look alike, and the only way to tell them apart is by knowing the details and specifications. They are popular for their calm, versatile appearance and their ability to complement several interior styles.
While they share a similar muted aesthetic, each has its own undertones, depth, and overall feel, which we discuss later in this blog. These minor differences can make a huge impact, depending on the lighting and the area where you use them. So, read this blog to the end and choose the shade that suits your style and your home's interior.
What Color Is Filmy Green?
Filmy Green by Sherwin-Williams is a cool-toned paint color that has soft gray and green undertones. The gray keeps the green balanced so it doesn't feel overpowering. Plus, the hint of blue undertone adds a calm and airy touch that further enhances its soothing character.
With all the hues and tones mixed, Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green becomes incredibly versatile. It pairs well with modern interiors and creates a cozy, inviting space.
What Color Is Sea Salt?
Sea Salt is lighter in tone with a grayish-green undertone. This color looks phenomenal and incredibly refreshing. The hint of green suggests revival and growth while maintaining a calm, subtle ambiance. The color has a refreshing, nature-inspired feel that makes a space more relaxing. If you spend long hours working from home, you’ll appreciate how the color shifts from morning to evening. You can use Sea Salt in either west- or south-facing rooms, in addition to north- and east-facing rooms, as it doesn’t feel too cold.
Filmy Green vs. Sea Salt: Key Differences
| Features | Filmy Green | Sea Salt |
| Warm vs. Cool Appearance | Looks cool and refreshing in natural daylight. But, in artificial light, especially warm ones, it may look warm | It is a cool-toned color with a muted blend of green, blue, and gray. It can shift color from cool tone to slightly warmer tone in bright, sunny rooms. |
| Brightness (LRV) | 64.48% | 63% |
| Green intensity | Filmy Green has a slightly stronger, crisper green | Sea Salt has quite a moody, blue-green blend with a heavier gray and misty undertone |
| Best to Use in | Can be used in bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms | Can be used in west and south facing rooms |
Colors That Pair Well With Filmy Green and Sea Salt
Filmy Green
Filmy Green has a soft, earthy-green appearance that creates a peaceful, soothing feel. It is most popular in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, or anywhere you want to spend time away from a busy life.
Many people don’t prefer painting rooms with a single color; instead, they look for contrasting and complementary colors to make the room feel cohesive and unique. Some colors that go with Filmy Green are -
- Yellow
- Dark greens
- Navy blue
Complementary colors for Filmy Green are -
- Repose Gray SW 7015
- Silver Strand SW 7057
| Notes | You can also use other Benjamin Moore colors, such as Pale Oak OC-20 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173 |
Additionally, coordinating options like SW Opaline, SW Pure White, and SW Parisian Patina work wonderfully with Filmy Green.
Sea Salt
When using Sea Salt in your home, choose the right color palette. Otherwise, the place might seem all messed up. So, you can either use colors from the same family to create a monochromatic palette or use contrasting colors to add depth. The best colors to pair with Sea Salt are -
- Burnt oranges
- Creamy and true whites
- Deeper grays
- Taupes
- Grieges
- Shades of pinks
You can pick some monochromatic tones from the Sherwin-Williams color palette, for example -
- SW 6205 Comfort Gray
- SW 6206 Oyster Bay
- SW 6207 Retreat
| Notes | You can either mix or blend them for decorative accents and upholstery. |
For contrasting colors, you can choose from the following -
- SW 7005 Pure White
- SW 6099 Sand Dollar
- SW 7067 Cityscape
| Notes | You can use SW Pure White and SW Extra White on the ceilings, trim, and moldings to make them pop. |
Which Colors Seem Similar to Sea Salt and Filmy Green?
Filmy Green
Filmy Green SW 6190 looks very similar to SW 6176 Liveable Green. This color has the same muted, grayish-sage character. You can also try Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52) or Benjamin Moore Silver Sage (506).
Sea Salt
Since Sea Salt is a beautiful color, you may not need an alternative. However, if you want to explore other options, you can try SW 0052, Pearl Gray. Pearl Gray has a bolder and deeper tone with a reflectivity of 61. As a result, this color shows more green than gray.
Where to Use Filmy Green vs Sea Salt?
Filmy Green
SW Filmy Green can be used in -
- Living Room: Filmy Green looks beautiful in the living room because natural light highlights its soft, earthy tone, giving the space a natural feel.
- Bedroom: In bedrooms, Filmy Green creates a refreshing, soothing feel. This color complements natural materials like wood and linen.
- Kitchen: You can use Filmy Green either on the cabinets or on the wall. Painting the cabinets with Filmy Green creates a focal point and complements any hardware.
- Bathroom: Because Filmy Green has a cool undertone, you can use it on bathroom walls. However, use it moderately or as an accent.
- Exterior: Filmy Green also looks great on exterior walls. The subtle grayish-green undertone makes it pop when the sun hits your home's exterior.
Sea Salt
- Living Room: Pair Sea Salt with natural elements and furniture to create a serene ambiance.
- Dining Room: If you like a beachy vibe in your dining room, then consider using Sea Salt.
- Bedroom: For bedrooms, Sea Salt complements the overall look when paired with wooden textures, a matte black chandelier, and linen upholstery.
- Bathroom: Sea Salt works best in bathrooms with white countertops or gray tiles.
- Kitchen: Sea Salt looks great on the kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen. However, for a spacious kitchen, you can use it as wall paint.
- Exterior: Using Sea Salt on the exterior can be tricky, but when used with darker shades, it creates an interesting color palette. You can also pair it with beige, off-white, white, and darker gray trims.
Which Paint Color Should You Choose?
Both Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green and Sea Salt are nature-inspired paint colors that have a calming effect. However, the choice depends on the atmosphere you want to create.
Filmy Green has a slightly darker green presence with a soft gray undertone. It also features a subtle blue undertone that adds a calming touch. Sea Salt is a bit lighter and has a more airy look. It blends green, blue, and gray for a pretty, subtle, soft appearance. This makes the space look more beautiful as the light changes (natural and artificial).
Conclusion
Both Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green and Sea Salt are beautiful colors with a greenish-gray undertone that may look similar at first glance, but each has a distinct personality. The right choice depends on the lighting, existing decor, and the atmosphere you want to create.
